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Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, create, and solve problems—and USJ is making sure our students are ready to lead that future. Through newly redesigned courses embedded with AI competencies, the University is equipping students with the practical AI skills employers are looking for.
This focus on integrating AI into the classroom is the result of the Connecticut Tech Talent Accelerator (TTA 3.0), the state’s campaign to strengthen its workers’ and students’ competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital economy. USJ received a $43,000 TTA 3.0 grant earlier this year to expand its AI education and workforce training in collaboration with global technology firm CGI, USJ’s industry sponsor in the TTA program.
“AI is reshaping many sectors of our economy, and Connecticut is ensuring our workers and students are prepared to lead in this new era,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “By investing in AI education and workforce training through the Tech Talent Accelerator, we are strengthening our talent pipeline, supporting Connecticut businesses, and creating opportunities for everyone to secure high-quality, good-paying jobs.”
AI is reshaping many sectors of our economy, and Connecticut is ensuring our workers and students are prepared to lead in this new era.
Governor Ned Lamont
USJ and CGI have joined forces to participate in the pilot phase of the state’s TTA 3.0 campaign. Over last winter break, USJ embedded AI-focused learning into two Computer Science and two Business Administration courses, with another Business course slated for revision this fall.
The University is also developing a Certificate in Applied AI for Business, creating another pathway for students to gain in-demand AI expertise and earn an industry-relevant credential.
For Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Hong Zhou, preparing students for an AI-powered future isn’t optional — it’s imperative.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a foundational skill across industries, much like computer literacy and Internet literacy were for previous generations,” Hong said. “Our students will enter workplaces where AI is embedded in business processes, software development, healthcare, analytics, and decision-making. Providing students with hands-on experience applying AI to real-world challenges is not simply an enhancement to their education — it is essential preparation for their future careers and long-term success in a rapidly evolving workforce.”
Providing students with hands-on experience applying AI to real-world challenges is not simply an enhancement to their education — it is essential preparation for their future careers and long-term success in a rapidly evolving workforce.
Hong Zhou
Hong led the revision of his department’s courses to include AI competencies with input from CGI professionals, based on the AI skills their company requires during daily operations.
Based on a recommendation from CGI, Hong updated the Advanced Artificial Intelligence (COMP 421) course to refocus on Transformer, GPT development, and Agentic AI. “CGI is at the very forefront of AI applications,” Hong said.
CGI Vice President of Consulting Services Steven Lacroix said that his firm’s partnership with USJ reflects the importance of the state’s push to define and develop AI skills in the workforce.
“Our collaboration with the University of Saint Joseph strengthens our talent pipeline while supporting students in gaining practical, job-relevant experience through applied coursework and hands-on learning,” Lacroix said.
Another Computer Science course, Innovation and Technology (COMP 117) has been integrated with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy’s free technology course Generative AI Foundations, which will be a three-week module within COMP 117.
“The Innovation and Technology course introduces students to a broad range of emerging technologies beyond artificial intelligence, including Microsoft Excel, innovation principles, web development (HTML), programming concepts, and other foundational technical skills,” Hong explained. “The curriculum is designed for learners with little or no prior experience in generative AI, making it suitable for undergraduate students from both technical and non-technical disciplines.”
Students who successfully complete the three-week module can now earn an AWS Academy badge, providing a recognized credential. After integrating the module into the course during the spring semester, “all the students successfully completed the AWS Academy program and 13 out of 15 earned its associated credential, demonstrating foundational AI knowledge to employers,” he said.
The power of AI
Assistant Professor of Business Administration Jas Singh redesigned the courses AI in Business (MGMT 200) and Data Visualization & Business Storytelling (MGMT 245) — formerly Computer Applications in Business — to show students how AI can accelerate learning and enhance business decision-making.
“Before the redesign, the course focused on increasing the amount of data sets students can analyze and do very quickly through the analysis loop for each dataset,” Singh explained. “Now, it’s about showing students the power of AI in each of the domains — marketing, finance, product design, production etc., and then applying them to various real-world examples.”
MGMT 200 and MGMT 245 will form the foundation of a developing three-course Certificate in Applied AI for Business. One more Business course, Quantitative Methods for Managerial Decisions (MGMT 325), is set to be revised in the fall.
“AI is a generational opportunity to accelerate the speed and breadth of learning,” Singh said. “I am a huge advocate of incorporating AI with appropriate guardrails. It requires educators to completely change the method of teaching but provides an unparalleled opportunity for higher ed and for USJ.”
AI is a generational opportunity to accelerate the speed and breadth of learning.
Jas Singh
Hong added that as AI technologies continue to evolve, so will AI-focused curricula.
“For my COMP 421 course, the revision never finishes,” he said. “As AI technologies move forward quickly, the curriculum must be continuously updated to remain current.”